IPA
Farnam House Brewing Company

Wanted to like this one more, because I love a good Belgian ipa and they don't seem to be that easy to find: this one, it was okay, but it lacked anything from the belgian yeast, and I didn't get much from the hops either: minimal zest, bite, and funk. It did look very nice in the snifter it was served in -- reddish amber, with a thin crown of white head that hangs around for just a minute. Nose involves some sweet breadiness and some floral and gentle round fruit notes, maybe citrus or maybe some kind of juicy orchard fruit -- a little hard for me to pick out particulars. On the tongue, it is what the nose promises, but it's just a little one-note and that note is good but not great.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So if Green Flash Le Freak is the gold standard of the style and Boulevard Tank 7 is the regional stalwart then mix in the competition from NBC’s Belgian-style IPA how does Farnam House IPA stack up? Well, my first taste of this beer was at the Great Nebraska Beerfest in the summer of 2013 and I thought the beer rocked. A top 5 beer at the fest. Fast-forward… the brewery is now open. (My beer was brewed at NBC, for what it’s worth).

A cheerful, golden-amber hue, hazy and inviting; sticky white head, plenty of subsequent lacing. Awesome nose, busting of hops and yeasty goodness. The aromas are perfect for the style; citrus, fruit, floral notes, a bit of sweetness. Robust but balanced. And oh so inviting.

A dynamic beer on the palate. Fresh and zesty… biting bitterness, citrus zest, orange peel, apples, floral notes and that awesome Belgian yeasty “funk.” The malt profile adds perfect balance.

Medium-full in body, perfect carbonation.

A terrific beer. I assume it will be replicated once it is brewed on-site. This IPA shows great promise in this brand new brewery. A must try. This is the BEST beer brewed in Omaha… not brewed by NBC.